I'm a student of linguistics, cultures, and arts, with a recent focus on East Asia (though I don't plan on stopping there!). I am fluent in Mandarin Chinese and studying Japanese, Korean, and Spanish, with the aim of being able to travel and converse without barriers. I am, however, more than interested in earning any language!

[I make a brief note here to say: this is not Tinder. This is not a dating site in any form. Any messages or behavior contrary to the spirit of traveling safely and in friendship will be summarily ignored. Anyone on the same page may continue reading from here :) ...]

Speaking of interests, I am nurturing an increasing fascination with fibrous arts: textile and paper, namely. In particular, the ability to harvest local materials and spin and dye and weave them into something at once structural and flexible I find fascinating. Other artistic compulsions include sketching, brush-and-ink painting, and ceramics.

Exploring nature is my other main objective, and I will gladly climb and crawl, dart and dive, hop, skip and jump my way through any terrain. I'm looking for breathtaking landscapes, curious creatures, and absurd plants. A personal favorite method of interacting with the natural terrain is climbing. The precipitous scramble of purposeful concentration compels me upward until at last safety and scenery assault and sooth.

I have experience working with children (camp counselor, private tutor, language instructor) and pets (dogs, cats, chickens, fish), so both are welcome!

Not interested in clubbing, excessive drinking, or cheap thrills; am interested in meaningful conversations, quiet moments, and fostering respect.
I don't drink or smoke, but I make up for it with dad jokes ;)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Because the two most valuable camps of people are those who enthusiastically share their time and energy, and those who see in strangers potential friends.

Landscapes and outings and activities are an ever-changing background to the experiences we have, but people are the key to interpreting those experiences, and, if you're lucky, revisiting them.

P.S. I only accept friend requests from those I have met and befriended.

Interests

• animals
• theater
• photography
• cooking
• exercise
• yoga
• reading
• painting
• drawing
• music
• backpacking
• kayaking
• scuba diving
• cliff jumping
• rock climbing
• art history
• calligraphy
• communications
• teaching
• languages
• language exchange
• volunteering
• adventure travel
• art
• nature
• tea
• learning languages
• theatre
• learning new things
• museums
• sculpture
• weightlifting
• botany
• wild animals
• 书法
• 国画
• 豆腐

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Crime and Punishment, Frankenstein, The Oresteia, Silence of the Lambs

Music: Glass Animals, Fall Out Boy, Big Bang, Zico, Akdong Musician

Movies: Casablanca, The Dictator, The Avengers, James Bond(s), Tomb Raider, The Usual Suspects, Fight Club, The Piano in a Factory, 12 Angry Men (Russian), North by Northwest, Rear Window

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Lived 6 months in China under a language pledge (no English!) and still laughed, learned, and made lifelong connections.

Accidentally entered the DMZ (border between South and North Korea). Shhhh ;)

Teach, Learn, Share

That which I can teach: Calligraphy, drawing/sketching, sculpture, biology, languages, linguistics, botany

That which I can share: constant energy, positivity in the face of adversity, ruthless optimism

That which I hope to learn: languages, sculpting, pottery, fabric dyeing, weaving, carving, cooking skills, histories and traditions (personal or cultural)

What I Can Share with Hosts

Personality traits I can and will share:
Conversation, global perspectives, passion for travel, appreciation of arts and cultures, adventurous spirit, enthusiasm!

Practical/Life skills I am able to pass on:
Experienced in teaching languages (English, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Latin, Japanese), arts (calligraphy, life drawing), and biology.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Colombia, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United States